Metering Function

Accurate crude measurement establishes commercial value for production transfers between operators, pipelines, and purchasers. Metering skids measure net oil volume after water and sediment correction with temperature compensation to standard conditions. Typical accuracy ±0.25% meets API MPMS, OIML, and custody transfer standards for fiscal metering applications.

System Components

Complete LACT units include positive displacement or turbine flow meters, automatic sampling system extracting representative samples, BS&W analyzer measuring water and sediment content, temperature transmitters for volume correction, meter proving connection for field verification, flow computer calculating net standard volumes, strainers protecting meters, automatic shutdown valves, and control panel. Factory-assembled skids minimize field construction.

Meter Technology

Positive displacement meters provide high accuracy independent of flow profile suitable for varying viscosities. Turbine meters offer proven performance for lighter crudes. Coriolis meters measure mass directly eliminating density compensation. ERGIL selects technology based on crude properties, flow range typically 100-10,000 BPD, and accuracy requirements.

BS&W Monitoring

Automatic water cut analyzers using capacitance or microwave technology measure water content real-time. Readings adjust gross volumes to net oil for custody transfer. Sampling systems capture composite or time-proportional samples for laboratory verification. Automatic shutdown protects purchasers when water exceeds contractual limits typically 1-3%.

Applications

Production tank battery outlets, wellhead gathering systems, pipeline custody transfer stations, terminal loading facilities, and lease automatic custody transfer units. Serves producers, midstream operators, and refineries requiring accurate fiscal measurement across light to heavy crude operations.

Proving Capability

Meter proving connections enable field verification using portable provers or master meters. Proving establishes meter factors ensuring continued accuracy. Bi-directional proving accommodates flow reversal. Proving reports document measurement performance for commercial validation and regulatory compliance.

Control Systems

Flow computers calculate temperature-corrected volumes, apply meter factors, integrate BS&W corrections, generate batch reports, and store transaction data. Communication via Modbus, SCADA integration enables remote monitoring. Automatic valve control manages flow and provides high BS&W shutdown protection.

Design Standards

Systems per API MPMS Chapter 6 LACT requirements. Meter runs meet API 5.1-5.8 installation standards. Materials suitable for crude service including H₂S when present. Explosion-proof electrical classification. Proving per API MPMS Chapter 4.

Construction Standards

Skids designed per ASME B31.3 and B31.4 pipeline codes. Carbon steel construction with epoxy coating. Weather-protected enclosures for instrumentation. Complete documentation with calibration certificates, proving baseline, and custody transfer validation.

ERGIL crude oil metering skids deliver accurate reliable measurement ensuring fair commercial transactions and regulatory compliance in oil production and pipeline operations.